Mimulus is from the diminuitive of mimus meaning "a buffoon" referring to the grinning face of the corolla. Ringens comes from a word meaning "gaping".

Native Americans and early settlers sometimes used the leaves as an edible green.

Common to alluvial woods, edges of marshes, in seeps and in wet roadside ditches. Grows to 3 feet with blue / blue-violet flowers blooming from late July through September.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Use: A decoction of the ground leaves and stems is used to treat feelings of nausea[213]. The tea is also used in the treatment of colds, fevers, sore throats, gas, colic, indigestion etc[222]. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use.